Sometimes we travel to too many places and at times we don’t have enough.
The year 2011 started in the Philippines. We celebrated our Christmas & new year in that country. Besides the capital Manila, we could explore some part of it but Batad was a place which left mark on my life. However, as I always say, any place on this earth can never be counted as ‘done’.

The year 2011 was not very good in terms of travel. There were always some issues cropping up and I had to cut short or cancel many trips either midway or before the start irrespective of the locale, foreign or Indian.
This time when I was about to leave India, my doctor, instead of telling, asked me “Are you fit to travel?”. So, that’s about it.

Anyway, I’ll let the pictures speak of the places I visited in the year 2011. I think I did more than this. If anyone of you recall, please let me know. I always think I have more memories than photos of a place.

Batad.

Looks easy? It is world’s one of the most difficult places for hiking and any other rice terraces of any country are no match to it. Yes, I hiked & survived Batad ! That too during monsoons when the paths as wide as a few inches become very slippery. One slip and you are assured of a fall of at least 12 feet if not in the valleys. And yeah, I loved the younger generation of this small village..

Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur is my base for travelling to South east Asian countries. I always travel Air-Asia for this sector and the airlines has a base at Kuala Lumpur. I always take a day or two off before embarking to another country. Now I am very familiar with this city, so much so that I can be treated as an unofficial guide. Ask me anything about Kuala Lumpur and I’ll be happy to help you out.

Nighoj.

Natural wonder Nighoj potholes. This place needs to be seen to believe, a must see if you are in the vicinity. These beautifully shaped natural potholes are some of the largest in Asia according to geologists, but very few of us have even heard of them.

Kaas Plateau.

Vast expanse of flowers

If by any reason you can not visit the valley of flowers, visit this plateau instead. Will save you some physical effort and the effect is the same with vast expanse of flowers treating you with a sense of heaven.

Lavasa.

I was invited to attend ‘Lavasa Women’s Drive’ event and review the Lavasa experience. The all expense paid two day trip to this ‘European’ town Lavasa was an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of modern woman in true sense.

Mysterious place.

Golden Pagoda. Can you tell me where it is?

Dubai.
Visit to Dubai is not only visits to shopping malls. There is much more to see.

At times we had some fun and adventures ….

… And some relaxation too.
This was again an invitation.

Rishikesh and Rudraprayag.

In spite of my high fever I loved the positive vibes of these two places. Later I was diagnosed with Pneumonia.

Morachi Chincholi.
A village of dancing peacocks.

Delhi.
Delhi trip is inevitable.

Ajmer.
Visiting Dargah Sharif was a soothing experience.

Matheran.
Hiking and the toy trains made our days in Matheran.

Udaipur.
Udaipur got just a half day from my adventurous run to Mumbai.

Let me know if I missed some places here.

And here’s to a 2012 filled with more travels, adventures, and lots of fond memories for everyone!

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Having met a few of my old school friends from Delhi after several years in the year gone by (2011), I found myself reminiscing how we used to celebrate the Christmas vacation in Delhi, especially the arrival of the new year.
The celebrations always involved intricate planning and things to do in Delhi.

The reason was, being from conservative families, we did not want to be found out having indulged in intoxication back at home. You can imagine what works one year, would not the following year. Celebration was ok but in a sober way and of course had to be back home by midnight.

First was to find a suitable venue. This had to be a friends place whose parents were away either out of town or themselves partying elsewhere! If they were partying elsewhere, timing had to be perfect. At the stroke, after wishing everybody the usual, we had to clean up pretty fast. Counting the empty beer bottles and the corresponding number of bottle caps was one such activity. You don’t want a missing bottle cap showing up at a later date, from under the sofa or the cabinet.
Music, very important and not very hard to come by. Mostly tape cassettes and LPs, CD’s had not been invented yet! Sometimes it involved carrying the necessary equipment from one friends place to another.

Food? Yes, Sure.
Of course, no possibility existed for gourmet food. It had to be good ole pizzas, chips and such. But then, there no one minded it!

List of who had to be invited, not so difficult. Had to ensure all turned up, cover each other in case of parents’ inquiries etc.
Once planned, all the necessary stuff would be collected near the venue and wait for the feu-vert from the year’s host. Till that time, make a quick trip to Connaught place and hang around D’pauls, sipping their favorite Cold Coffee with or without ice-cream.

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Delhi was declared the national capital on December 12, 1911, by King George V when he visited the country to commemorate his coronation as the British emperor of India.
And this is my salute to the capital of India.

Inside Delhi metro.

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Generally there is a scant regard for law and every one know some one in the higher echelons of the society or the corridors of power! Often the smallest of an argument is decided on the basis of who has the more powerful acquaintance.
But there is also a particular charm about the people. From a top position holder in a company to the cleaner of a bus, most commonly spoken language is Hindi. Their Hindi is very different from what is spoken in Mumbai or any other metro.

Let’s talk about the transport.

As much you are in awe of the wide, smooth, well marked roads and countless flyovers in the city, as you are scared of speeding DTC buses on the road that look like a killer unleashed to do its job.
I have hardly seen a bus driver driving the vehicle with patience. Some of them find pleasure in speeding the bus just when they see a woman is about to board it.

Being capital of India, flights to Delhi are plenty. Now it has a latest terminal T3 as well but come out of the airport, you are surrounded by a horde of touts, taximen and after a few yards, some autowallas as well. These people will try to persuade (read misguide) you not to go for a prepaid cab.

Ladies only seats in local metro in Delhi.

It took almost 20 years before India commissioned its second metro in Delhi (First one was in Kolkata). Amidst much fan fare a small section was commissioned. By the time I had a chance to experience it, there were 3 lines in operation. My experience in Delhi has been good for most parts. I remember once I had work in 4 corners of the city and I could complete it in one day itself. I used the extra day in hand to visit another city by taking overnight bus.
On the negative, I once saw a woman encouraging her small child to relieve himself near the closed door. When some one pointed it out to the woman, many of the passengers supported her. I guess in the end it is the people who make the city lovable or not.

I shall be writing about other cities as well.

If you like this blog, I suggest you to connect with me on Facebook fan page and check out my Twitter.

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